Apple Urges EU to Repeal Digital Markets Act, Citing Business and User Impact

Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) is pushing back against the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), urging the European Commission to repeal or significantly scale back the landmark legislation. According to Apple, the regulation—designed to curb the dominance of tech giants and promote fair competition—is creating serious business challenges and limiting innovation in Europe.

In its official comments submitted to the European Commission’s review of the DMA, Apple argued that the law is disrupting its ability to launch new products in the region. The company stated that the regulation, which requires tech “gatekeepers” to make their platforms more open to third parties, is harming both its business model and the user experience it prides itself on delivering.

Apple claimed that compliance with the DMA has forced the company to redesign key elements of its products, including its App Store ecosystem, in ways that negatively affect users. "The European Commission’s use of the Digital Markets Act to redesign our products has had a real impact on our users," the company said. It also warned that the regulation could delay or prevent the introduction of new features and services for European customers.

The tech giant further argued that the legislation, while intended to help smaller businesses reach customers through major platforms like iOS and the App Store, is producing unintended consequences. Apple suggested that instead of fostering digital competitiveness, the DMA is creating barriers that ultimately harm consumers.

"The most effective way to repair the damage and prevent further harm would be a repeal of the law—or specific provisions—and a reset on digital competitiveness that puts users first," Apple noted.

The European Commission is currently evaluating the effectiveness of the DMA. Apple’s pushback highlights the ongoing tension between regulators aiming to increase competition in digital markets and tech companies seeking to protect their business models and product ecosystems.